ASTRO U 124 User manual

U124 16-programme IP / FM converter
U 100 Base unit
Operating instructions

2Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
General
Note concerning the U 100-230 base unit:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursu-
ant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Caution!
Changes or modifications of the device not expressly approved by ASTRO Strobel Kommuni-
kationssysteme GmbH or any licensed party responsible for compliance will void the user‘s
authority to operate the equipment!
This operating manual was created to provide the relevant instructions for operating the U114. We expressly
recommend reading this manual before installing or operating the device.
The ASTRO company confirms the information in this manual to be correct at the time of printing, but it
reserves the right to make changes, without prior notice, to the specifications, the operation of the device
and the operating manual. The ASTRO company is not responsible for printing errors. The contents of this
operating manual are confidential and protected by copyright. This manual may not be reproduced in any
form - not even in part - without prior written permission from the ASTRO company.
Pictograms and safety instructions
Pictograms are visual symbols with specific meanings. You will encounter the following pictograms in this
installation and operating manual:
Warning about life-endangering situations due to dangerous electrical voltage or non-adherence to this
manual.
Warning about various dangers to health, the environment and material.
Recycling: all of our packaging material (cardboard boxes, accompanying papers, plastic film and bags) is
completely recyclable.
Used batteries must be disposed of at approved recycling points. Batteries must be completely discharged
before being disposed of.
Electronic devices must not be disposed of with household waste, but rather – according to directive
2002/96/EG OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL from 27 January 2003, on waste
electrical and electronic equipment – must be properly disposed of. When they are no longer of use, please
bring these devices for disposal to one of the public collection points for this purpose.
Copyright notice
Some of the software of this product is third-party software, which was developed under several different
licensing conditions. Detailed information concerning the licenses can be found via the Web interface of the
device.
The source code of the free parts of the software is distributed on request for an administration fee.
Please contact:
ASTRO Strobel Kommunikationssysteme
Olefant 1-3
D-51427 Bergisch Gladbach (Germany)
Tel.: +49 2204 405/-0
All other parts of the software of this product are copyrighted by Astro Strobel Kommunikationssysteme
GmbH.
2

3
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
3
Table of contents
1 Figures...............................................................................................................................4
2 Introduction........................................................................................................................5
2.1 Description of functions..............................................................................................5
2.2 Safety instructions......................................................................................................5
2.3 Assembly instructions.................................................................................................5
2.4 Potential equalisation / earthing.................................................................................6
2.5 Maintenance and repair..............................................................................................6
2.6 Service tasks..............................................................................................................6
2.7 Technical data for mains supply.................................................................................6
2.8 Installing and coding the backplane...........................................................................7
2.81 Coding the backplane.......................................................................................7
2.82 Installing the backplane....................................................................................8
3 General introduction ..........................................................................................................9
3.1 Connecting the U 124 to a PC / laptop......................................................................9
3.2 The Web browser user interface................................................................................9
4 Login................................................................................................................................10
5 Status...............................................................................................................................11
6 Setting the IP interfaces, IP management and base device...........................................12
6.1 Configuration of the IP interfaces.............................................................................13
6.2 IP management configuration ..................................................................................13
6.3 U 100 settings ..........................................................................................................14
6.4 Saving and loading a configuration, default and reboot...........................................14
7 Configuration of the IP inputs..........................................................................................15
8 Configuration of the HF outputs ......................................................................................17
9 User administration..........................................................................................................20
10 Transport stream (TS) analyzer.......................................................................................21
11 Licencing..........................................................................................................................22
12 Software update / saving and loading a configuration ....................................................23
12.1 Update using a TFTP server for Windows as an example ....................................24
13 System log.......................................................................................................................25
14 Statistics ..........................................................................................................................26
15 Network properties...........................................................................................................27
16 Logout..............................................................................................................................28
17 Technical data .................................................................................................................29

4Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
1 Figures
The figures show the U 124 installed in the U 100 base device.
Control
and data wheel, menu switch
Display of management IP addresses,
data IP addresses, status messages, etc.
Status display
Status display
for slots
L = left
M = middle
R = right
P = power supply
Data ports
HF outputs
Fan
Management ports
Mains supply
Earthing connection
Mains supply
Fuse
Mains supply
Earthing connection
4
230 V power supply unit:
48 V power supply unit:

5
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
5
2 Introduction
The instructions in chapter 2 mainly apply to the U 100 - 230 base device.
2.1 Description of functions
The U 100 series is used to convert IP data streams into CATV signals. The U 100-230 base
device can accommodate up to three U 1xx signal converters, as well as up to two U 100-SNTs
for supplying the voltage to the U 1xx signal converters. The U 124 receives up to four video data
streams encapsulated according to the internet protocol (IP) and converts them into up to 16
standardised FM output signals.
2.2 Safety instructions
Disconnect both mains plugs before opening the device!
The device must not be opened - for exceptions, see the maintenance and repair, and the service
tasks! Power supply units must not be opened!
The device must be connected to a power supply with an earth contact, and should be positioned
close to the mains socket.
The electrical system supplying current to the device, e.g. a house installation, must incorporate
safety devices against excessive current, short-circuiting and earth leakages in accordance with
EN 60950-1.
Both mains plugs are used to disconnect the device from the mains, therefore they must be
easy to access and use at all times. The device is already in operation when one power unit is
connected to the operating voltage. When the second power unit is also put into operation, one
of the power units runs in idle mode as long as the other unit is supplying power to the device.
The device may only be repaired by sending it to ASTRO along with a precise description of the
error.
Displays indicate the status of the device operation, as well as the existence of DC voltages
separate from the mains that are supplying the components of the device. However, operation
displays that are not lit up in no way indicate that the device is completely disconnected from the
mains or is voltage-free.
Read carefully:
EN 60 728 – Part 11, Safety requirements / No service tasks during electrical storms!
2.3 Assembly instructions
The U 100 base device may only be mounted using guide rails! If the device is only fastened by
means of the screws in the front panel, this will damage the base device!
The outputs of the signal converter must not be operated without connecting a combining network
or terminating impedance!
Protection from environmental factors:
The device must only be connected and operated in dry rooms. It must not be exposed to spray-
ing or dripping water, or to similar phenomena. If condensation appears, wait until the device is
completely dry. Objects containing liquid must not be placed on top of the device.
The permitted ambient temperature range is 0 … 45°C (ETS 300 019-1-3 class 3.1).
Mounting environment:
The device is designed for operation in, preferably, metallically conductive 19" racks with suffi-
cient air convection. It should be operated away from heat radiation and other heat sources. The
device my only be installed in rooms in which the permitted ambient temperature can be adhered
to, even under changing climatic conditions. To avoid trapped heat, it must be freely ventilated
on all sides. You absolutely must avoid mounting the device in a niche or covering the ventilation
openings.

6Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
6
2.4 Potential equalisation / earthing
The subscriber network must be earthed correctly in accordance with EN 50083-1, and must
remain earthed even when the device is removed.
The potential equalisation on the U 100 is effected via the fastening plates of the device, or
via the earthing connection on the back of the device. Devices within hand's reached must be
incorporated into the potential equalisation among one another.
It is not permitted to operate the device without an earth conductor, device earthing or device
potential equalisation!
2.5 Maintenance and repair
Disconnect both mains plugs before opening the device!
The device must not be opened other than for repair purposes. In general, power units must
not be opened. Repairs may only be carried out at the plant or at workshops, or by persons,
authorised by ASTRO Strobel Kommunikationssysteme GmbH.
Read carefully: DIN VDE 0701- 0702, Repairs
Note: The device must not be opened by the user!
2.6 Service tasks
The following tasks, in which screw connections have to be opened, can be performed by appro-
priately instructed service personnel: Removal and installation of signal converters (e.g. U 124)
and power units, also in the operating mode of the U 100.
Replacing power units
After the screws on the cover of the power unit chamber (ASTRO logo) are removed,
the power units can be pulled out by hand, forwards along the mounting panel.
When power units are being installed, there should be no contact with the ventilator or the fan
grid,
and only the mounting panel attached to the power unit should be used.
When the tasks are complete, the cover of the power unit chamber must be replaced;
continuous operation of the device is not permitted without this cover.
Note: Do not put your hand or any objects into the power unit chamber.
The U 100 must only be operated with the original power unit(s)!
Replacing converter modules:
Converter modules can be pulled outwards after the safety screw on the front panel
has been unscrewed.
2.7 Technical data for mains supply (U 100 SNT - 230 V version)
Mains voltage: 100 – 240 V
Mains frequency: 50 / 60 Hz
Current consumption: 1.4 – 0.7 A per power unit
Protection class according to EN 60529: IP 20
Permitted ambient temperature range: 0 … 45°C
Secondary fuse in U100-230: T3,15A L 250 V IEC 60127-2/3
Secondary fuses in U 124: SMD, various values

7
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
2.8 Installing and coding the backplane
The scope of delivery of every U 1xx signal converter includes a backplane to create the physical
connection between the signal converter and the base device. Both the mains HF connections
and the network connections are connected to this backplane. The temperature controlled fan for
cooling the U 1xx signal converter is located on the backplane.
2.8.1 Coding the backplane
To correctly define the position of the backplane, and thus the position of the related signal con-
verter in the U 100 base device, the jumper on the board of the backplane, which is described in
the following section, must be configured.
Figure 1: Coding the backplane using the jumper
Note:
An incorrectly configured jumper leads to incorrect displays in the front LEDs.
Additionally, it is not possible to display a correct position on the Web user interface!
7
Jumper position
left!
Left RightMiddle
Jumper position
right!
No jumper!

8Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
2.8.2 Installing the backplane
In its state on delivery, the back of the U 100 base device is covered with blind panels:
Figure 2: Position of the blind panel on delivery of U 100
To remove the blind panel, unscrew the two Phillips screws indicated in the above figure and
remove the blind panel. The cables now visible must be connected to the backplane coded
according to chapter 2.8.1, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 3: Connecting the voltage supply and signal lines
The backplane is now carefully inserted into the free slot of the U 100 base device and screwed in
with the Phillips screws of the backplane. Here you must ensure that the cables are not jammed
and that the backplane can be installed in the housing with only a small amount of pressure.
Figure 4: Correctly installed backplane
8
Phillips
screws

9
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
9
3 General introduction
3.1 Connecting the U 124 to a PC / laptop
When the operating voltage is connected, or after it is inserted into the slot of the base device, the
U 124 switches on automatically. After the boot phase (ca. 90 seconds), the two management IP
addresses appear in the display, along with other status messages.
If the device is connected to a PC / laptop via one of the network ports, and if the PC / laptop is
suitably configured via the network settings, after you enter the IP address in the address line of
the Web browser you can start configuring the U 124.
3.2 The Web browser user interface
The Web browser user interface is divided into the top frame, the left frame and the main frame.
The top frame
contains general information about the U 124.
This information is as follows:
“SW: 4021” indicates the software level of the U 124 EdgePAL,
“FW: 1.2” is the level of the firmware in the U 124 EdgePAL,
“HW: 1” is the hardware version of the U 124 EdgePAL,
“Up: 0d 2h 36m 12s” is the duration of the connection, measured from the moment of the login,
“Time (UTC):” displays the time of the U 124.
The line in bold for the name, location and contact is made up of the settings in the “User” chapter.
In the right section of the top frame, status information for the U 124 is displayed, i.e. in the Web
browser user interface, the latest error message is visible.
The left frame
contains the navigation bar for the various submenus, which are described in detail in the follow-
ing chapters.
In the main frame,
the submenu is displayed according to the selection made in the navigation bar in the left frame.
Figure 1: General information in the top frame of the Web browser user interface
Figure 2: View of U 124 Display of the Web browser user interface

10 Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
10
4 Login
Before the U 124 can be configured there must be a login. This is performed in the “Login” sub-
menu.
In the state on delivery, the login data is as follows:
User: admin or user
Password: astro
After correctly entering the login data, you can proceed with the configuration.
Note:
For security reasons, the user names and passwords should be changed from the state on deliv-
ery. This prevents unauthorized access.
Only one user / U 100 C can ever be logged into the U 124. At the very bottom of the left frame
of the Web browser user interface, the user currently logged in is displayed.

11
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
11
5 Status
When you click on the “Status” submenu in the left frame, the following window appears
(example):
Figure 3: Status display in the “Status” submenu
Ethernet status
Status display of
the IP receivers
Memory status
Status display of
the FM output
programme
Display of diverse
status messages
on the module
temperature, the
internal voltages
and the power unit
status
Here all the relevant
dataforthestatusofthe
U 124 is displayed in
detail. No settings can
be made here.

12 Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
12
6 Settings for the IP interfaces, IP management and base
device
When you click on the “Main” submenu in the left frame, the following window appears
(example):
Figure 4: Overall view
The settings available are described in detail in the following sections.

13
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
13
6.1 Configuration of the IP interfaces
In the area of the user interface displayed below you can activate and deactivate the IP interfaces.
The connection type is automatically detected and displayed by the U 124.
(Here: 1 GBit/s, full duplex for Data A and 100 MBit/s, full duplex for Management A).
Figure 5: IP interface configuration
Changes to the IP addresses must be transferred to the U 124 using the “Submit” button.
Note:
When programming the IP addresses, make sure the addresses are not already allocated in your
network. Address conflicts lead to malfunctions in the network.
6.2 IP management configuration
In the IP management configuration, the DNS server and the SNTP server are entered. If a valid
entry is made under “SNTP server”, this can be used as a time reference. The MPEG flows (TDT)
are additional time references.
Figure 6: IP management configuration

14 Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
14
6.3 U 100 settings
Under “U 100 Rack Settings” an address can be allocated to the relevant base device. The num-
ber of the currently selected slot is displayed below it:
Figure 7: Rack settings
If the U 124 is managed using the U 100-C controller and there are several U 100 base devices in
use, then each base device must have a different address. The slot address is determined using
the backplane coding (see chapter 2.8.1).
6.4 Saving and loading a configuration / Default and reboot
The current configuration of the U 124 is always written to the device using the “Submit” buttons,
and is therefore activated immediately. If you want to save the current status, you press the “Save
2nd” button. This current status is then saved on the SD card in the U 124. You can call up this
status again using the “Load 2nd” button. Saving the configuration on the local computer or FTP
server is explained in the “Update” chapter.
Figure 8: Saving and loading / default and reboot
The “Default” button is used to restore the factory settings.
Note:
With the factory settings, all the settings apart from the user and network settings of the data and
management ports are reset to the state on delivery!
The “Reboot” button restarts the U 124 with the last settings that were entered.

15
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
15
7 Configuration of the IP inputs
When you click on the “IP RX” submenu in the left frame, the following window appears
(example):
Figure 9: Overview of the IP input configuration
Here the four IP inputs to be configured are activated or deactivated, and their current configura-
tion is displayed. You go to the detailed settings either by clicking the relevant channel (e.g. IP
RX3) or clicking the relevant submenu in the left frame.
Figure 10: Detailed settings of the IP receiver
To enable the greatest possible path redundancy, the U 124 has various different configuration
options for the IP receivers. The Data A and Data B ports can be configured completely indepen-
dently of one another. IGMPv3 enables what is known as “Source Select”, i.e. the IP receiver can
request the data from a preferred source.

16 Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
16
Figure 11: Setting the Multicast addresses
The “use” selection box defines the data source used. This data source is defined via the Multicast
address and can - if this Multicast address is provided by multiple senders - be used preferentially
by the IP receiver. The IP address of the preferred source is entered under “Primary / Secondary
Source Select”. If 0.0.0.0 is displayed here, the Source Select function is deactivated.
If different signal paths are supplied by the same sending equipment, it can make sense to con-
figure Data B exactly like Data A. This is easily performed by activating “like Data A”.
Figure 12: Settings for the IP input signal format
In the “Enable” line, the IP receiver is activated or deactivated.
In the “Port” line, the data interface is selected (A or B) and the preferred data interface is set.
This function enables the U 124 to switch to the second interface after an input signal has failed,
and to switch back when the failed signal has been re-established (prefer A or B). If you select
the “auto” option, the IP receiver remains on the substitute interface until it is manually switched
back, or until this interface also fails.
Under “Encapsulation” the protocol used in the sender is set: RTP/UDP/IP or UDP/IP. However,
the U 124 is also able to detect the protocol automatically and evaluate it accordingly.
For the “Bitrate” you can choose between “Single PCR (SPTS)” and “Multiple PCR (MPTS)”. Here
the U 124 can also detect the status automatically and process it.
To have a better overview during the configuration of the HF parameters, you have the option of
entering an alias. If this entry option is not used, the first service in the transport stream is auto-
matically used as the alias.

17
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
17
8 Configuration of the HF outputs
You go to the overview of the HF parameters via the “RF” submenu in the left frame. All 16 output
channels with the related data on the data flow are displayed, as well as the status of the respec-
tive FM program. Here the output channel can be activated or deactivated. If you select “Standby”
here, only the HF is deactivated. However, the configuration of the output signal remains active,
along with the analysis of the input data flow.
Changes must be written to the device by pressing the “Submit” button.
Figure 13: Overview of the HF parameters
If you select the option “On” in the “Reference” column, then the level set in the modulation
parameters will be used as the reference value. A deviation of 2.5 dB leads to a warning mes-
sage, a deviation of 3 dB leads to the output channel being switched off.
You go to the detailed settings either by clicking the relevant channel (e.g. RF 1.1) or clicking the
relevant submenu in the left frame.
In the detailed view of a channel, the programme to be converted into FM is selected under “Input
Selection”. This programme can be applied from any of the four IP receivers.
Figure 14: Output channel setting

18 Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
18
In the “Stream Selection” area, the PIDs of the PCR are displayed, along with the PIDs of the
selected audio stream.
Figure 15: Stream selection
In the “Modulation” area, all the settings relating to the FM output signal are made:
Figure 16: Setting the PAL modulator
“RF” line: • Activating and deactivating the output signal / Standby:
output signal selected and configured by HF switched off
• Selecting the output frequency
• Setting the output level
• Setting the audio hub
Line “Radio data • Activating the RDS
system”:
Line “Program • If the data are available in TS and if the option “dynamic”off
Service name”. is selected, the PS data will also be transmitted. If “static” is
selected, you have the option of entering 8 blocks of 8 characters
and determining the time interval (min. 3 s). For a static configu-
ration, but a PS is in the TS, the TS data are processed
with priority.
Line “Programme • If the PI is transmitted on the sender side, then the setting “dyna-
identification”. mic” will result in transmission on the output side. If “static” is con
figured, a sender ID is entered, then this setting is transmitted,
until there is a PI on the input side.
Line “Programme type”: • Transmission of the programme type ID (pop, news etc.). In this
case, the PTY in the TS will be transmitted with priority over
the manually configured PTY.

19
Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
19
Line “Traffic Programme • Activates the transmission of the traffic radio ID
ident. “:
Line “Music, speech • Transmits the ID, if provided by the sender, whether
Switch“: music or speech is being transmitted. Accordingly, some
end devices can automatically adjust the tone control.
Line “Radio text“ • Transmits, if provided by the sender, the radio text. If “static”
is configured and a text entered, this will be transmitted,
until radio text is dynamically transmitted by the sender.
Line “Clock time • If this option is activated, then the display of the current time
and date“: will appear in the receiver. The radio service in TS or the IP RX
can be used as the synchronisation source (“source”). If both
sources are configured, the TS is evaluated first and
then the IP RX.

20 Operating Manual
U 124 16-programme IP / FM converter
20
9 User administration
You reach the user management by clicking on the “User” submenu. The U 124 allows you to
create four different users. In the state on delivery, “admin”, “user” and “bc4” are created, all with
the password “astro”.
Note:
For security reasons, the user names and passwords should be changed from the state on deliv-
ery. This prevents unauthorized access.
In the “Timeout” line the minutes are entered until the U 124 automatically logs the user out if no
configuration change has been registered during this period.
In the lower area of the “User Administration” table, you can enter the name, location and respon-
sible contact person. These entries also appear in the top frame.
Figure 17: User management
Changes must be transferred to the U 124 using “Submit”.
This manual suits for next models
1
Table of contents
Other ASTRO Media Converter manuals